Summit Hoodie - Washington D.C. Temple

Temple Name and Location:

•  Washington D.C. Temple — Kensington, Maryland, United States
  

Temple Number:

• 16th operating temple of the Church
  

Date Announced:

• November 15, 1968
  

Date Groundbreaking:

• December 7, 1968 by Hugh B. Brown
  

Date Dedicated:

• November 19–22, 1974 by President Spencer W. Kimball
• Rededicated August 14, 2022 by President Russell M. Nelson
  

First Temple President:

• Edward Emanuel Drury Jr. (1974-1978) with Louise Farrington Drury
  

Construction Challenges:

• The temple was built on a steep, heavily wooded hill, requiring significant site preparation.
  
  
• A major challenge was accommodating freeway visibility while preserving spiritual tranquility — ultimately, its placement made it a literal and figurative beacon from the Capital Beltway.
  
  
• The gold-leafed angel Moroni had to be installed by helicopter due to height and terrain constraints.
  

Symbolism:

• Six spires: three on the east (Melchizedek Priesthood) and three on the west (Aaronic Priesthood), echoing the Salt Lake Temple’s recognizable silhouette

• Bronze medallions (doors & gates): by sculptor Franz Johansen—Big Dipper & North Star, earth, planets, moon, stars, sun, circles for eternity, and seven pentagons for the seven dispensations—collectively symbolizing creation, mortality, and the degrees of glory
• End-tower stained glass: color shifts from rich reds/oranges to cool blues/violets to white—representing rising above earthly cares and steady progression toward the divine
• Tree of Life art glass (entrance): original stained-glass panel behind the recommend desk, newly illuminated during renovation, underscoring the scriptural theme of life in Christ.

Changes Over Time:

• Closed in 2018 for major renovations; reopened in 2022.
  
  
• Renovation included seismic upgrades, new mechanical systems, restored original finishes, and updated ordinance rooms.
  
  
• Open house welcomed hundreds of thousands, including diplomats, media, and interfaith leaders.

Piece of Trivia:

• Visible from the I-495 freeway, locals refer to it as the "Mormon Castle" or "Oz Temple." A nearby graffiti once joked: "Surrender Dorothy," which became a local legend.